Union of Freethinking Students

"Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too." - Voltaire

Constitution • Activities • Officers • Resources

Freethinker. What is that? How do you define freethinker? The word is definitely vague. For most, freethinker describes someone who is irreligious, a person that has shed traditional religion for a secular life of intellectual and philosophical pursuits. Dictionary.com is more detailed, explaining a freethinker as "[o]ne who speculates or forms opinions independently of the authority of others; esp., in the sphere or [sic] religion, one who forms opinions independently of the authority of revelation or of the church; an unbeliever."

This definition isn't wrong, but it is incomplete. The word freethinker needs revision, it needs a clearer contemporary definition. However audacious, the following is an attempt:

free•think•er (fr

'th

ng'k

r): n. One who speculates, reflects, forms opinions, and willingly suspends final judgment on religious, spiritual, and philosophical positions independently of the authority of others.

The first noticeable difference is that the "synonym" unbeliever has been removed. This new definition of freethinker is broader, but not necessarily ambiguous—it allows all people willing to doubt and reflect on their own beliefs and others to be described as a freethinker. It is the opinion of this organization that religious observers can be, and many are, freethinkers. We disapprove of the stereotype common in some disbelieving circles that believers are mindlessly following a religious tradition and do not intelligently consider and contemplate their worldview. UFS wants to dispel this fallacy as well as create a promising and comfortable atmosphere for interfaith dialogue. We are a non-profit organization at Florida State University that is open to students of all religious and irreligious backgrounds and are driven by a desire for understanding without condescending—a discussion forum for theological, philosophical, and ethical issues, as well as any other related topics of intrigue. As a Union of Freethinking Students we thrive in a social climate of open-mindedness where ideas are exchanged and explored, not enforced. We welcome agnostics, atheists, humanists, pagans, pantheists, polytheists, satanists, secularists, skeptics, theists, and all peoples of every shade of belief and creed.

Attributes of Freethought:

	Doubt	Reflection
	Critical Thinking	Understanding
	Research	Open-Mindedness
	Inquiry	Humanism

Why Doubt?

Doubt is an interesting word that has developed quite a strong social connotation—one that it doesn't necessarily deserve. For many, doubt is considered solely the trait of nonbelief, the road to losing one's faith. Numerous believers and nonbelievers disagree with this misconception and it's time to express how limiting it is. Doubt is not synonymous with denial. Doubt is a useful mental tool for exercising critical thinking skills, skills that are sorely lacking in parts of our world. Doubt is an attribute of freethought because it asks one to re-evaluate their position, to reflect on their own beliefs and the beliefs of others, and to always ask questions, never accepting the words of hearsay or authority without research. Used in moderation, doubt can be a great decision-making resource, but like anything it can be abused. Having no foundation can be just as bad as accepting one blindly. As freethinkers we do not stop questioning, we research and reflect, but we retain a sensible position, one which we recognize as tentative in some respects. We are neither credulous about anything, nor incredulous about everything.

UFS Goals:

		To create a campus community for freethinkers.
		To inform the public about freethinking ways of life.
		To stimulate meaningful dialogue among religious and nonreligious students.
		To foster open-mindedness, doubt, and self-reflection in our members and—through them—our community.
		To promote not just religious and irreligious tolerance but mutual respect.
		To counter and correct misrepresentations of religious and non-religious convictions and lifestyles.
		To dispel misinformation concerning both religion and science.
		To advance the public understanding and appreciation of both religion and science.
		To fight racism, sexism, ethnocentrism, heterosexism, and all other forms of prejudice.
		To cultivate in ourselves—and others—a sense of responsibility to, and compassion for, humanity.

Along with our purpose and goals—mentioned above—this website is intended to supply the viewer with up-to-date information concerning UFS. For members and those possibly interested in joining, our organization's constitution and a growing list of our meeting times, club activities, and past events are available for perusal. We also have a page introducing our club officers and our faculty advisor, which includes their office description and personal quotes. Lastly, our resources page includes our contact information, a list of useful and informative links, and a collection of recommended books and movies related to freethought.

If you agree with what you've read and would like to join the Union of Freethinking Students, it's simple. Membership asks that you just have genuine interest and pay a minimal annual fee of five dollars ($5.00), which is only requested, not required. Contact the President about joining and she will add you to the members' roster. If you would like to receive emails concerning weekly meetings and upcoming events, you can also subscribe to our mailing list.

Members can now join our open-discussion community on LiveJournal. Once you have a free LiveJournal account, join the community by clicking here.